School apologizes to shamed students

BAKERSFIELD (AP) — Administrators at a Bakersfield high school say they’re sorry a staff member publicly embarrassed students who aren’t expected to graduate by naming them during a senior rally.

Kern High School District spokesman John Teves said administrators were making calls and visiting classes so they could personally apologize to 30 North High School students who were told by a truancy officer to leave the assembly held Tuesday for this year’s class of graduating seniors.

Many of the students who were singled out are in the process of making up credits that would make them eligible for diplomas.

Teves told the newspaper he didn’t know if the public embarrassment violated any laws but that the officer showed insensitivity.

It’s unclear if the truancy officer will be disciplined, but Teves says staff training is in order.